Stenographer&#39;s copy-holder.



' 110.842,11). PATBNTED JAN.22,1907.

A. B. REID. STENOGRAPHERS COPY HOLDER.

AIPLIOATION FILED JAN. 22, 1904.

2 SHEETSSHEBT 1.

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No. 842,115. A PATENTED JAN. z2, 1907. A. B. REID.

STENOGRAPHBRS COPY HOLDER.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 22, 1904.

l 2 SHEETS-SHEET Z.

ARTHUR B. REID, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

STENOGRAPHERS COPY-HOLDER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 22, 1907.

Application filed January 22, 1904. Serial No. 190,160.

l To all whom, it' muy concern:

Be it known that I, ARTHUR B. REID, a. citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Stenographers Copy-I-Iolders, of which the following is a full, clear, conoise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to stenographers copy-holders, my object being to provide an improved form of holder for a book or document.

A further object is to provide an improved means tor holding or clamping the copy to the supporting-plate, said'means having an additional rest whereby the copy may be supported without clamping it upon the supporting-plate when so desired.

A still further object oi' my invention is to provide a line-indicator which may be adjusted to be used on either the right or the lett hand side of the machine.

In copy-holders previously constructed it has always been the custom to place the lineindicator in such a position that it is most conveniently operated. by the right hand. There have been no means provided whereby persons who are in the habit of using their left hand mayconveniently operate the lineindicator; and it is one of the objects of this invention to so construct the line-indicator that it may be readily changed from one side I have illustrated the preferred embodiment of my invention in the accompanying drawings, in whicl Figure 1 is a iront elevation of my invention. Fig. 2 is a detail view of the line-indicator. Fig. 3 is a modi'lication of the supporting-base for the copy-holder. Fig. 4 is a side elevation of my copy-holder. Fig. 5 is a detail view ci the clutch for the line-indicator. Fig. 6 is a sectional view oi the lower end of the supporting-rod. for the line-indicator and the operation-lever therefor. Fi g. 7 is a sectional view taken on the line 7 7 of Fig. 6.

Like numerals refer to like parts in the several iigures of the drawings.

In the construction which I haveworked out as being the most practical form of obtaining the various objects oi my invention I provide a base-plate 1, which may be of any suitable form most convenient for supporting other and opthe copy-holder, in which is mounted a rod or standard 2, the upper end of which is bent and extends along the middle of the back of the supporting-plate, being secured in -position by rivets 4 and 5. The supporting-plate 3 is preferably harp-shaped, as shown in the drawings, having extending arms 6 6 .on either side thereof, to which isv secured the support 'r'or the line-indicator; vW'hile I have shown the supporting-plate as being of this particular shape, I do not desire to limit inysel'f to a supporting-plate of this particular form, as I may use a supporting-plate constructed in numerous ways without departing` Jfrom the spirit of my invention.

Outwardly-projecting lugs 7 are formed on the lower portion of the supporting-plate 3, in which is journaled a rod 8, and pivoted upon said rod are lugs 9, formed upon the clamp 10, which serves to hold the paper upon the supporting-plate. A coiled spring 11, having its outer ends bearing against the supporting-plate, and a projection 12, bearing against the clamping-plate, serve to normally hold the clamp in position to firmly hold the paper against the supporting-plate. Said clamp is preferably formed of sheet metal and has its lower end turned outwardly, forming a shelf or support 13, upon which may be rested the book or paper when it is not desired to secure or clamp the same to the supporting-plate. This outwardly-extending shelf 13 also serves as a finger-piece by which the clamp may be operated.

Secured to the arms 6 6 by screws 7 is a flat strip 14, having its ends bent at right angles to form projections 15 and 16, through which is journaled the rod 17. This rod at itslower end is bent to form the short upwardly-eX- tending arm 1,8, which projects through an opening in the projection 16 and is provided at its end with a nut 19, screwed thereon. To prevent the screw-threads on said arm 18 from being stripped in reciprocating the rod, the lower half of the nut is not threaded, and the bore is large enough to receive the portion of the arm 18 which is threaded. By this construction the threads of the arm are shielded even when the nut is at its highest point of adjustment. The lower end of the nut has a reduced squared portion 20, forming a shoulder which rests upon the inner end of a lever 21. The lever is preferably provided with a slot 22 to accommodate the vent the same from turning; but any other IOO IIO

are two oppositely-extending arms 36, prefl l means may be used to prevent the nut from turning, and I have found that frictional engagement of the same with the lever will ordinarily prevent the nut from being turned. The rod 17 passes through an elongated slot 23 in the lever, holding the same in position and reventing any tendency of the lever to move aterally. The rod is reciprocated through the medium of the lever for a purpose more fully hereinafter specified., and the movement of said rod may be adjusted by means of the nut 19., I also provide a rod or lineindicator 24, at one end of which are secured two wires 25 and 26. These wires are formed into spirals, which are normallyT not in alinement, but at a slight angle with each other, and thus when slipped over the rod 17 they tend to frictionally engage and clamp the rod and hold the line-indicator 24 in position. These spirals further act as a hinge whereby the rod may be thrown to either side of the rod 17.

rlhe line-indicator is adapted to be moved downward step by step as the rod is reciprocated, and to accomplish this movement .I employ a clutch 27, which prevents upward movement of the line-indicator as the' rod ascends, while permitting the line-indicator to descend with the rod. This clutch 27 is provided lwith an opening through which the strip 14 passes, and a tongue 28, adapted to engage the strip as the rod is moved upward. Two inturned lugs 29, formed on the back piece 30 of the clutch, embrace the strip 14 on either side to aid in guiding the clutch during its movement upon the strip. The base 31 of the clutch rests between the two coils 25 and 26, an elongated opening 31EL being provided, through which the rod 17 is adapted to pass and moves the clutch with the line-indicator as the same is operated by the rod 17.

The line-indicating device is illustrated as being arranged in a position to be operated bythe right hand; but, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, it maybe readily placed upon the opposite side of the supporting-plate to be conveniently operated by the left hand, and in order to make this change it is only necessary to change the position of the supporting-strip 14, as the rest of the line-indicating device is supported upon this strip. The line-indicator rod being hinged upon the rod by the coils 25 and 26, may be readily swung around to operate in this position.

In order to attach the copy-holder to an Oliver type-writer, I have provided a modified form of support for the same, which is illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings. As shown, the support comprises a block 33, having an opening 34, in which the lower end of the standard 2 is adapted to fit, a thumbscrew 35 being provided to hold the same securely in position. Secured to the block 33 paper in the holder, the shelf 13 is pressed downwardly, thereby opening the clamp,

and the book or paper may be inserted in' position. When the pressure is released, the coiled spring 11 serves to normally hold the clamp against the supporting-plate, and thereby support the copy. If it is not desired to clamp the paper to the supporting-plate, it can be readily rested upon the shelf 13. In order to operate the line-indicator, the rod 17 is moved up by pressure upon the lever 20, and as the rod moves upwardly the spirals 25 and 26 tend to move up with it, carrying with them the clutch 27. The clutch, however, having a slight freedom of movement is rocked so as to throw the tongue 28 into contact with the strip 14, thus preventing further movement of the clutch and of the spirals 25 and the rod 24. The further upper movement of the rod 17 therefore causes the same to sli-de freely, and when the pressure on the lever 20 is released the rod 17 will move .ownwarfly, dueto its weight and the weight of the nut 19, until stopped by said. nut, carrying with it the spirals 25 and 26, the rod 24, and the clutch 27, the tongue offering no opposition to the downward movement of the clutch and associated parts. Then the line-indicator by successive steps has reached the bottom of the page, a slight forward pressure upon the portion 30 will free the tongue 28 from contact with the strip 14, and the rod- 24 may be moved to the top of the page. As previously described, the movement of the rod 17 may be adjusted by the nut 19, and it will readil)T be seen that by adjusting the nut to increase the movement of the rod, or vice versa, the distance between successive steps of the line-indicator will also be made greater or less.

. It will be understood that the line-indicator of myinvention is applicable to other forms of copy-holders than the one specifically shown and described herein, the reciprocating rod carrying the line-indicator, the clutch and the strip being a separable structure capable of operation in any place or on anydevice where it is desired to successively marl( the lines or spaces on a copy. It will also be understood that while I have shown and described one form of my invention l do not wish to limit myself to this particular construction, as other forms and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having described my invention, what I IOO IIO

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claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters tance longitudinally of said plate, said lineindicator andv means being removably mounted upon said. frame, and adapted to be secured upon either side thereof.

3. In a copy-holder, the combination with a suitable supporting plate or frame having laterally projecting arms on both sides thereof, of a line-indicator adapted to be mounted upon said arms on either side of the plate.

y 4. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the

combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod, a line-indicator frictionally engaging said rod, a clutch adapted to slide upon said support and engage the same to preventthe upward movement of said lineindicator when thevrod is raised while permitting the downward movement of said line-indicator when the rod descends and a lever for reciprocating said rod.

5. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod, means for supporting said rod at its lower end, a line-indicator supported by said rod, and means to cause said lineindicator to move with said rod in one direction and for preventing movement of the lineindicator with the rod in the opposite direction.

6. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod, means for adjustably sup- Y porting said rod at its lower end, a line-indicator supported by said rod, and means to cause said line-indicator to movel with said rod in one direction and for preventing the movement of the line-indicator with the rod in the opposite direction.

7. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod having its lower end turned up, .means carried by said upturned portion for supporting said rod, a line-indicator supported by said rod, and means for causing the line-indicator to move with said rod in one direction and for preventing the movement of the line-indicator with the rod in the opposite direction.

8. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod having its lower end turned up, adjustable means carried by said upturned portion for supporting said rod, alineindicator supported by said rod, and means for causing the, line-indicator to move with said rod in one direction, .and for preventing movement of the line-indicatorwith the rod in the opposite direction.

9. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod having its lower end turned up, said upturned portion having means for supporting the rod, a line-indicator frictionally engaging said rod, a clutch adapted to slide upon said support andengage the same to prevent the upward movement of said lineindicator when the rod is raised while permitting the downward movement of said line-indicator when the rod descends.

10. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod having its lower portion turned up, adjustable means mounted upon said upturned portion for supporting the rod, a line-indicator frictionally engaging said rod, a clutch adapted to slide upon said support and engage the same to prevent the upward movement of said line-indicator when the rod is raised while permitting the downward movement of said line-indicator when the rod descends.

1 1. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod having its lower end turned up, a nut mounted upon said upturned portion for supporting the rod, and means to prevent said nut from turning, a line-indicator frictionally engaging said rod, a' clutch adapted to slide upon said support and engage the same to prevent the upward movement of said line-indicator when the rod is raised while permitting the downward movement of said line-indicator -when the rod descends.

12. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod, means for supporting said rod at its lower end, a lever fulcrumed upon IOO IOS

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said support and having its inner end engaging said support, means to reciprocate said rod, a line-indicator supported by said rod, and means for causing the line-indicator to move with said rod in one direction and for preventing movement of the line-indicator with the rod in the opposite direction.

13. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod, adjustable means for supporting said rod at its lower end, a lever fulcrumed upon said support and having its inner end engaging said support, means to reciprocate the rod, a line-indicator supported by said rod, and means for causing the lineindicator to move with said rod in one direction,land' for preventing movement of the line-indicator with the rod in the opposite direction.

14. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod having its lower end turned up, means carried by said upturned portion for supporting the rod, a lever fulcrumed upon said support and having its inner end engaging said supporting means, a line-indicator supported by said rod, and means to cause said line-indicator to move with said rod in one direction and for preventing movement of the line-indicator with the rod in the opposite direction.

l5. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod having its lower end turned up, means upon said upturned portion for supporting the rod, a lever fulcrumed on said support and having its inner end engaging said supporting means to reciprocate the rod, a line-indicator frictionally engaging said rod, a clutch adapted to slide upon said support an;` engage the same to prevent the upward movement of said line-indicator when the rod is raised While permitting` the downward movement of said line-indicator when theA rod descends.

16. In a line-indicator for copy-holders, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod, having its lower end upturneol, a nut carried by said upturned portion for supporting' the rod, a lever for reciprocating' said rod and having a squared slot in which said nut is adapted to rest to prevent the same from turning, a line-indicator frictionally engaging said rod, a clutch adapted to slide upon said support and engage the same and prevent an upward movement of said line-indicator, when the rod is raised, while permitting a downward movement of said line-indicator when the rod descends.

17. In a line-indicator, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod having its lower end upturned, means for reciprocating said rod, a line-indicator operated by said rod, and means carried by the upturned portion of said rod for adjusting the movement of the same whereby the distance between the successive steps of the line-indicator may be adjusted.

18. In a line-indicator, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod having its lower end upturned, means for reciprocating said rod, a line-indicator frictionally engaging said rod, a clutch adapted to slide upon said support and engage the same to preventy upward movement of said line-indicator when the rod is raised, while permitting a downward movement of said lineindicator when the rod descends, and means carried by said upturned portion of the rod for adjusting the movement of the same, whereby the distance between the successive steps of the line-indicator may be adjusted.

19. In a line-indicator, the combination with a suitable support, of a reciprocating rod'having its lower end upturned, means for reciprocating said rod, a lineeindicator frictionally engaging said rod, a clutch adapted to slide upon said support and engage the same to prevent upward movement of said line-indicator when the rod is raised, while permitting a downward movement of said line-indicator when the rod descends, and a nut carried by said upturned portion of the rod for supporting the rod and adjusting the movement thereof, whereby the distance between the successive steps of the line-indicator may be adjusted.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two witnesses.

ARTHUR B. REID.

I/Vitnesses:

M. R. RooHFoRD, WV. P. HAHN. 

